Jennings County's sheriff was indicted after his rival's GPS-tagged sign turned up in his trash
A Jennings County grand jury indicted Sheriff William "Kenny" Freeman Jr. in June 2026 on felony counts of official misconduct, obstruction of justice and perjury, plus two misdemeanor theft counts. Indiana State Police began investigating in November 2025 after a candidate for sheriff reported his campaign signs stolen and hid a GPS locator in one. Troopers tracked it to a trash bin on Freeman's North Vernon property, where they also found signs of a county judge candidate. Soon after, according to WRTV, Freeman issued a complaint and summons to both candidates over where their signs were placed. A special prosecutor and special judge were appointed. Freeman was released without bail and no trial date has been reported. He remains sheriff; he is term-limited and his term ends this year.
Soon after the discovery, Freeman issued a complaint and summons to both political candidates regarding the placement of their signs.
The sign with the locator was found in Freeman’s dumpster, along with signs for a county judge candidate.
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